International Day of the Boy Child Sparks the Launch of AWACN Men to Mobilise Young Men as Allies 

The programme formed part of broader efforts to promote ethical leadership and equip young men with the awareness and tools needed to challenge harmful gender norms and sexual corruption. The event brought together students, youth leaders, civil society organisations, academics, and private sector professionals for an open and reflective engagement on masculinity, power, accountability, and the role of men in disrupting gendered corruption.

Discussions began with Professor Malose Langa from the University of the Witwatersrand, who examined how boys and men are socialised to equate masculinity with dominance, emotional silence, and control. He highlighted how these norms create conditions in which sexual corruption and gender-based violence become normalised.

Prof. Langa emphasised the need for societies and institutions to support men in redefining masculinity around empathy, vulnerability, and responsible leadership, while creating safe environments where men can reflect, unlearn, and heal from harmful expectations. This reflection was deepened by Professor Antonio Pooe, Africa Forensic Leader at Deloitte, who linked gendered corruption to structural socio-economic inequalities and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He explained how sexual corruption and exclusionary networks restrict women’s access to opportunities and leadership.

He called for the adoption of gender-sensitive anti-corruption frameworks, the strengthening of whistleblower protections, and the increased representation of women and girls in decision-making spaces.

Photo by Zuko Motloung – AWACN

The conversation continued with a panel discussion featuring Prof. Siseko Khumalo, Kyle Janse, Stephen Horn, and Refiloe Mohale, who collectively explored how culture, media, and institutional environments shape young men’s perceptions of power. They noted the importance of mentorship, positive male role models, and peer accountability in transforming norms and building new models of leadership that reject silence, complicity, and entitlement.

One of the most significant outcomes of the day was the launch of AWACN Men, a new movement designed to support young men committed to challenging gendered corruption and becoming active allies. The space invited honesty and vulnerability, with many participants noting that it was the first time they felt encouraged to express themselves openly about the pressures associated with masculinity. Young men reflected on how silence, language, and peer reinforcement can enable sexual corruption, and many expressed their commitment to disrupting these patterns in their personal and social environments.

Participants committed to challenging harmful language and sexist behaviour, advocating for ethical and accountable leadership, creating safe spaces for dialogue about gendered corruption, amplifying the voices of women and girls, and supporting one another in the ongoing work of healing and transformation. Many shared that the experience shifted their understanding of what it means to be a man from projecting power to practising empathy, accountability, and care.

The dialogue resonated widely, sparking heartfelt public reflection from Kamogelo Mthiyane, an Afrika Tikkun alumnus, stating that “I’m still buzzing from the AWACN Men event. It felt like a wake-up call and a safe space to talk about something that really matters.”

A student from the University of Johannesburg, Katlego Kere, added, “Showing vulnerability as a boy child should not be seen as a weakness. It is important to unlearn toxic norms to create safe spaces that promote dialogue and accountability.” Meanwhile, Gomolemo Mokemane, a peer facilitator from Tshwane University of Technology, emphasised the importance of sustaining the momentum, stating, “We do not want this to be a once-off moment of inspiration. We are ready to co-build it, sustain it, and take ownership of our role in it.”

The Boy Child Day Dialogue marked a turning point for many who attended, signalling not just awareness, but commitment. It affirmed that change is possible when young men step forward to redefine power, practice empathy, and stand as allies in the fight against gendered forms of corruption